Wilmette Residents Can Buy Discounted Rain Barrels To Help Prevent Flooding

The Metropolitan Water Reclamation District is offering residents discounted rain barrels while supplies last this spring.

Apr. 2, 2026 at 10:51pm

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A serene, atmospheric landscape painting depicting a flooded suburban neighborhood, with houses and trees partially submerged in a vast expanse of still, reflective water. The dramatic, moody sky casts deep shadows across the scene, conveying a sense of the overwhelming power of nature.A discounted rain barrel program aims to help Wilmette residents mitigate the impact of frequent flooding in their community.Wilmette Today

The Metropolitan Water Reclamation District is offering discounted rain barrels to Cook County residents to help prevent basement backups, street flooding and sewer overflows. Rain barrels can reduce flooding and save residents money on their water bill by offering a free reserve of clean water.

Why it matters

Flooding is a major issue in Illinois, with over 15% of the state's total land area subject to flooding and over 250,000 buildings located in floodplains. Providing discounted rain barrels can help residents mitigate the impacts of flooding in their homes and communities.

The details

The Metropolitan Water Reclamation District rain barrels weigh 20 lbs when empty and can hold up to 55 gallons of water. Residents can order a discounted rain barrel and learn how to install it on the department's website. Rain barrel water is naturally free of chlorine, lime and calcium, making it ideal for watering lawns, gardens, and cleaning.

  • The rain barrel discount program is available this spring.

The players

Metropolitan Water Reclamation District

A government agency that provides water reclamation and flood control services in Cook County, Illinois.

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What’s next

Residents can visit the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District's website to order a discounted rain barrel and learn how to properly install it.

The takeaway

By offering discounted rain barrels, the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District is providing Wilmette residents with an affordable solution to help mitigate the impacts of flooding in their homes and communities.